You’ll ride your own jet ski through Cancun’s Nichupte Lagoon with a friend, carving past mangroves and feeling that salty breeze. Local guides get you set up with safety gear and show you how everything works—even if you’ve never tried before. Bring cash for the dock fee, grab some bottled water after your ride, and let yourself laugh at every unexpected turn.
Hands gripping the handlebars, I could feel my heart thump louder than the engine. The marina guys—can’t remember if it was Jorge or his cousin who handed us the lifejackets—showed us how to start the jet ski. I was nervous (I always am with engines), but they just grinned and told me, “You’ll get used to it fast.” The water in Nichupte Lagoon looked almost glassy that morning, except where the wind left little ripples. We’d booked a jet ski rental for two people, which made things easier—my friend clung behind me and kept yelling directions like she knew what she was doing.
There’s this moment when you first leave the dock and all you hear is wind and spray, and suddenly you’re weaving between these green mangrove tunnels. It smells briny but fresh—sort of like seaweed mixed with sunscreen. We laughed so much every time we almost missed a turn (the guide waved from his boat nearby, probably thinking we were hopeless). You can rent by the half hour or longer; honestly, even 30 minutes goes by fast out there. I didn’t expect to love the feeling of speeding up in those open stretches as much as I did—felt weirdly freeing.
One thing: don’t forget to bring cash for the dock fee (it’s $14 per person). They had bottled water waiting when we got back, which sounds small but after all that sun and salt spray it felt like a gift. The staff checked in about ten times to make sure we were okay—which maybe sounds over-the-top but actually made me relax more. Still think about how quiet it got when we cut the engine under those tangled branches, just floating for a second before heading back.
The maximum capacity is two people per jet ski.
The marina is located on Nichupte Lagoon, close to Cancun’s hotel zone.
You get lifejackets and bottled water included with your rental.
You can choose any duration from 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
Yes, there is a dock use fee of $14 USD per person, payable in cash at arrival.
No experience needed—the staff will teach you how to drive safely before you start.
No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Yes, there are public transportation options near the marina.
Your day includes lifejackets for safety and bottled water waiting at the dock after your ride; just remember to bring cash for the required dock fee when you arrive at Nichupte Lagoon’s marina.
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